Apple News vs Flipboard

2023. Flipboard launches its notes feature on iOS and Android



Flipboard has introduced its notes feature to its iOS and Android apps, following its recent launch on the web. This move positions Flipboard as a participant in the ongoing competition to shift some of the discussions happening on Twitter to its own platform. The notes feature provides users with a convenient method to share thoughts and initiate conversations, according to the company. Flipboard's curators now have the ability to publish original content in their magazines, facilitating engagement and dialogue with their readers. Users can also utilize notes to greet new followers and share their perspectives and ideas.


2019. Apple shuts down Texture following launch of Apple News+



As anticipated, Texture, the subscription-based magazine service, has officially ceased operations following the introduction of Apple News+. Apple acquired Texture in the past with the intention of using it as the foundation for ‌Apple News‌+. It was later announced that Texture would no longer be functional after May 28. As expected, the app has now ceased to operate and redirects users to ‌Apple News‌+. However, it is important to note that while Apple's notice in the Texture app assures users that they can continue reading their favorite magazines on ‌Apple News‌+, the service is limited to the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. Texture previously supported various platforms, including iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows.


2015. News reader Flipboard launches new ads targeting based on user interests



In an effort to provide better targeting options for its advertising partners, Flipboard has introduced a new advertising feature based on the interest graphs it has curated for its users. This means that advertisers can now display their ads alongside topics that align with their target audience's interests. For instance, an advertiser promoting coffee-related products may also have their ads shown alongside craft beer topics, as there is a significant overlap in readership between these two subjects. This approach aims to recreate the advertising experience found in traditional magazines, where high-quality ads are placed alongside related content, even if it's not directly relevant. This strategy aligns with Flipboard's overarching mission of providing a mobile magazine-like experience to its users.


2015. Flipboard allows users to add own opinions to their mobile magazines



The mobile news magazine app Flipboard has introduced an update that empowers magazine creators to infuse their publications with a stronger personal touch. They can now share their thoughts and opinions on the news they present, pose questions, quote text, customize their magazines with links or personal photos, and more. Previously, Flipboard users had the ability to curate their own magazines by pulling in articles from various sources to create unique collections centered around specific topics. However, the aggregated digital content often lacked an editorial voice compared to traditional glossy magazines. With the latest update, creators now have the option to add text, links, images, and other elements to their magazines. Flipboard suggests that this feature can be utilized for purposes such as engaging in discussions with readers, seeking co-contributors, making notes about magazine changes, or asking questions. It also allows magazine builders to highlight impactful sentences, express their own sentiments and opinions about the included articles, thereby providing additional context to the stories.


2015. Flipboard launched web news reader for desktop


The popular mobile news-reading service Flipboard has finally introduced its web version, expanding its reach to desktop users. Flipboard aimed to create a website that feels familiar to its users while staying true to the essence of the web experience. Just as Flipboard dynamically adjusts and optimizes stories for optimal display on smartphones and tablets, its web version utilizes unique design principles and user interaction features tailored specifically for desktop usage. Unlike the flipping gesture used on mobile touchscreens, the web design of Flipboard enables users to scroll through relevant content. The layout adapts based on the type of content being displayed, with some featuring captivating full-bleed images, while others emphasize text. Additionally, the web version incorporates the extensive personalization features that Flipboard has developed over the years, allowing users to enjoy a personalized news experience on the desktop.


2014. Flipboard 3.0 makes topics the center of attention



Flipboard has introduced a new iteration of its social-magazine app, featuring enhanced curation tools and the introduction of a daily newspaper-style magazine, meticulously curated by the company's editorial team. The app now incorporates content analysis and recommendation technology developed by Zite (acquired by Flipboard in March), making it easier for users to navigate through their personalized collection of 10 million magazines. When users, both new and existing, access the topic picker, they will now discover additional sub-topics related to their selection, expanding the range of their interests. Previously, Flipboard offered 30 topics, but now users can choose from an impressive total of 34,000 topics. Furthermore, the mobile app has undergone a comprehensive redesign, simplifying the process of signing up and selecting topics. However, the most significant addition in this new version is the introduction of a curated daily news-magazine called The Daily Edition. This magazine, compiled by Flipboard's staff, aims to provide users with a convenient way to stay updated on the latest top news across various sectors, offering a one-stop resource for catching up.